Electrifying Interest in the Woodridge Public Library Maker Space

A crowd of teens, preteens and adults were waiting at the door when the Library opened on Sunday, March 5, eager to experiment with sensors, circuits and LEDs at the kick-off event of the Woodridge Library’s Teen Tech Week (March 5 to March 11).

Some attendees used Maker Space supplies to create a wearable, light-up circuit cuff or bracelet. Others used a banana and a Makey Makey Kit to play a web piano or surfed the web using aluminum foil.

The Maker Space provided an opportunity to bring attention to the cool hobbies and activities that are accessible to library patrons of all ages using software, tech skills and simple, inexpensive supplies.

Modern tech skills can be learned through online tutorials: available free to Woodridge Public Library cardholders using the Lynda.com training database. Java Script, Sketchbook, Adobe Pen, Song Writer and Photoshop are just some of the topics covered by the free tutorials.

Information and project guides are available, at the Woodridge Library during Teen Tech Week, related to:

• having fun with technology,
• obtaining tech skills that will expand your mind, and
• exploring tech topics that can lead to creative careers using technology.

Woodridge residents interested in using Lynda.com can attend an information session on March 11 at 10 a.m. or visit the library’s website at woodridgelibrary.org.

Teen Tech week continues with a Digital Photo Contest. Entries are due March 11 and must reflect technology that although useful today may be obsolete in the future. Contest rules are available online.

Tweens interested in technology are invited to attend a Paper Engineering STEAM program on March 17, and to register for a new CS First Coding Club (Grades 4 through 6) beginning March 20.

Woodridge Public Library

3 Plaza Drive, Woodridge, IL 60517

630-487-2581 woodridgelibrary.org